Labour make gains in Wigan

LABOUR strengthened their hold on Wigan, with a net gain of three seats. They took two from the Lib Dems and two from the local issues Community Action Party, but lost one seat to the Tories in Shevington with Lower Ground.

LABOUR strengthened their hold on Wigan, with a net gain of three seats.

They took two from the Lib Dems and two from the local issues Community Action Party, but lost one seat to the Tories in Shevington with Lower Ground.

Wigan's Mayor Eunice Smethurst retained her seat in Abram, as did Mayor elect John O'Brien in Leigh South, and Labour Cabinet member Chris Ready was re-elected in Aspull New Springs and Whelley.

The Conservatives contested every seat for the first time in many years - but though Tory leader Michael Winstanley held his Orrell seat with a healthy majority, the party made little impact bar its one gain.

The British National Party contested eight seats, but again failed to make any significant showing at the polls.

Council leader Peter Smith said: "We're very pleased with the results. It was a very good night for us.

"We had campaigned strongly on local issues that are of concern to people in the borough, and we have increased our majority on the council by making some important gains."

Wigan's Labour MP Neil Turner, who was at the election count, said: "Given that we are in a third term Labour government, and in the middle of a leadership handover, we have done extremely well."